The GreenRoom: October 2008

Ben Young

• Some of Georgia’s parks and public golf courses are at risk of closing as a result of a $1.6 billion budget gap, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, which has been ordered to cut six to 10 percent of its budget. As many as six state parks and seven historic sites could be affected, Beth Brown, a DNR spokeswoman, told The Gainesville Times, adding that there is a 20 percent vacancy rate in personnel already. The state also suspended funding for water supply and land conservation grants to the tune of $40 million.

• The Savannah-based group Citizens for Clean Air and Water requested that Chatham County commissioners stop the expansion of a liquefied natural gas facility on Elba Island with an ordinance. Commissioners noted the industry is overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, but agreed to table the request for review.

• Floyd County leaders rejected a proposal to build an electric substation near a neighborhood in August, drawing applause from local residents who opposed the request. Commissioners unanimously sided with residents over concerns the strong electromagnetic field would lower property values and pose a health risk. North Georgia Electrical Member-ship Corporation wanted the site to improve service and provide for growth; a petition signed by 278 customers was presented, but two of the signees spoke in opposition at the meeting, according to coverage in the Rome News-Tribune.